Question

: Explain the difference between the free exercise clause and the establishment clause.

Answer 1

Answer:

Both clauses are contained in the First Amendment, which protects some of the basic freedoms of citizens (freedom of speech and freedom of religion). However, the two clauses have some differences.

• The free exercise clause, in fact, protects the religious beliefs and the freedom of practicing their religion for all citizens.

• The establishment clause, however, forbids the government from endorsing/imposing/promoting a certain religion over the others.

The two clauses, therefore, are quite different. However, they are also interconnected, as a violation of one clause generally results also in a violation of the other clause as well.

Also, there is some tension in the two clauses. In fact, let's consider for example a public school. We have two opposite situations:

- The  school can prohibits all students from practicing religion --> this may result in a violation of the free exercise clause

- However, if the school lets student practicing their religion during school hours, this can result in a violation of the establishment clause.